RFP/Q's Frederick County Gateways RFQ
Opportunity Description
U.S. National Deadline: July 31, 2025 – Frederick Arts Council seeks qualifications from artists or artist teams to design a large-scale artwork that will activate a Frederick County, MD’s “gateway” location. This gateway will be located in Middletown, MD. The maximum size of the gateway artwork should be approximately 15′ in height with an 8′ x 8′ base.
The gateway artwork should be fairly large in size and visible to motorists as they are driving into town; the gateway is located along a roadway. The artwork is intended for permanence and therefore should be able to withstand outdoor elements.
Selected artists will be invited to submit an artwork design for the following gateway location: • Middletown, MD
At this stage, we are requesting that interested applicants submit their CV, a letter of interest, examples of their past projects, and a link to their website or other portfolio platform.
ELIGIBILITY
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is open to professional artists or teams with experience in the design, fabrication, and installation of public art.
The artist must demonstrate: a) a history of professional activity and achievement as a public artist; b) experience managing a project of this complexity including technical competence with fabrication and installation procedures; and c) the ability to procure and direct the work of subcontractors/consultants.
BUDGET
The total budget for this artwork is not to exceed $150,000. This project’s execution is dependent on securing full funding.
APPLY ONLINE – No Fee
Complete Submissions must include the following:
- Letter of Interest: A letter stating the artist’s interest in the project;
- Images Artists may submit between 10-15 images maximum. Images should accurately represent the artwork size, including height, span, and ground clearance. The artist must include at least one image per listed project. Images submitted will only be used for evaluation purposes.
- Image list & Description For each artwork submitted, please provide a short description (up to 5 sentences) of the piece and any aspects of the work that may not be obvious in the images, or any other relevant information. Artists should provide an image list including the following for each artwork: • Title • Date of Completion • Medium (Please Be Specific) • Dimensions (Height, Width, Depth) • Project Budget and Actual Cost
- Resume A resume outlining the respondent’s experience, the experience of key team members (if applicable) and a brief response to the qualification review criteria. The artist should also include a website or online portfolio link.
Frederick County Frederick County is the largest county in Maryland, and boasts a rich historical tradition from the days of the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and beyond. Agriculture has been a key industry since its founding, but with the county’s expansion and development as part of the wider DC Metro area, biomedical and technology industries are also driving a large and larger share of the economy. The arts, as well, are part of Frederick’s tradition, from the earliest days of stonework, metalwork, glass and ceramics produced by artisans throughout the county. Today, Frederick benefits from robust community-driven investments in facilities like the Delaplaine Art Center, New Spire Stages, Sky Stage, and the Weinberg Center for the Arts.
About:
The Frederick Arts Council is Frederick County’s umbrella arts organization, a resource and advocate for all local artists, creatives, and culturally-minded community members. FAC gives grants to individuals and organizations, provides programming, and serves as a liaison for the arts with all levels of government.
11 West Patrick St., Suite 201
Frederick, MD 21701
t: 301-662-4190
